Suppliers rally to support bushfire affected businesses

The industry’s suppliers are rallying to help bushfire-affected businesses, with a growing number of leading companies announcing special offers and assistance. Visual Connections, the premier suppliers' association for the print, sign, display, label and packaging sectors, says its members are keen to assist, and have been quick to respond to the association's call for a central register of resources for affected businesses.

"Our sector, like Australians more broadly, are known for the way they respond in times of crisis and, since reaching out earlier in the week to our members, many companies have already been able to advise us of initiatives they are introducing to help businesses affected by this unfolding disaster, while many more are finalising plans for similar support," said Visual Connections' CEO, Peter Harper.

“We will coordinate a list of all known offers from our members, the industry's suppliers, and will host that information on our website, updating it regularly as new information comes to hand.”

Peter says the association itself has swung into action to assist.  "In the immediate aftermath of the bushfires, we know that there will be many industry businesses which have either had their facilities lost or damaged, have interruptions to power and supply, or whose staff are otherwise occupied on more critical matters, and we stand ready to help them navigate through this difficult time.

“Working with our members, trade printers and trade sign suppliers, Visual Connections will help to organise - and, if necessary, cover costs - of 'bridging' production, to ensure all affected businesses can produce their current contracted orders,” he announced.

Mimaki Australia responded quickly to the crisis with General Manager Tomomitsu Harada saying the company was committed to helping all affected customers and end users. The company is making its showroom equipment available as a back-up production facility with subsidised ink supply, has special offers for loan equipment, service, labour and parts, and will prioritise equipment orders placed on insurance claims. Full details of the offer can be found here.

The company is also ready to respond to other requirements, Harada says. "If you have been affected by the bushfires, contact your dealer or one of our Mimaki staff on 02 8036 4500 or e-mail australia@mimaki.com or techservice@mimaki.com. We very much hope businesses will recover more quickly than expected and look forward to helping as many of our customers as need it.”

Russell Cavenagh, General Manager of Mutoh Australia has also opened the doors of his company's showroom and resources to offer a free trade printing service to affected businesses while they get back on their feet.

"If your business has been impacted by the fires, send the work to us at admin@mutoh-au.com. Alternatively, if you are able to, you are welcome to come in to use our UV and EcoSolvent equipment at our showroom in Artarmon, Sydney," he said. Contact Russell on 0478 038 042 to set up a visit or for any questions.

Jetmark was also quick to respond, with a $10,000 donation to the Rapid Relief Team and has also made 100 cash cards to the value of $250 each, available to affected businesses on application to admin@jetmark.com.au.

Fuji Xerox Australia has made a similar donation to the Red Cross as an initial response, while Multicam's Stephen Heusz says it is reaching out to affected clients and offering priority service to businesses as required. 

Durst has also confirmed its ongoing support for customers caught up in the crisis, saying that any affected business should contact their Durst representative directly to discuss their specific requirements.

"We fully support the efforts of all the emergency services, wildlife, community and business support organisations," said Durst Oceania MD Matt Ashman. "To all our customer partners and the wider industry, we are here ready to support you if you are facing challenges to keep your business running because of this awful tragedy."

Roland DG has an existing Disaster Support Program, and the company's Product and Marketing Manager, Greg Stone, says the company is keen to assist where it can, by providing no cost, call-out fees and labour to review and inspect Roland equipment which has been damaged directly by the fires, or the resulting power outages, providing condition reports for insurance claims repair service work, and provide spare parts under special rates (full details here).

“We will be scheduling service runs in the affected regions once it is safe to do so,” Stone says. “In the meantime, affected businesses should contact us directly to let us know how we can help get them back up and running, to register for the special service runs, or with any questions.” Roland DG can be contacted on 1800-500-119, through the website booking form or via email at service@rolanddg.com.au.

To keep up with the latest offers from suppliers, go to www.visualconnections.org.au and scroll down to the News section. Updates will also be provided on the association’s social media channels: